Bullfrog Pond — Attraction in Phoenix

Want to start by sharing that the Google Maps navigation to Bull Frog Pond is incorrect! Hopefully this helps someone :) If you ask for directions to Bullfrog Pond, it will drop you in front of a residential street with no pond access. We parked at the Barrier Free Trailhead on Tatum which provided a nice hike to the pond, but from the other meandering trails we noticed that connected to the main path, it seemed like there are probably some other access point options as well in the nearby area.

Barrier Free Trailhead offered a very well-paved, well maintained, easy, flat, long and winding hike to Bullfrog Pond with lots of features throughout. Mostly exposed on the way in for quite a ways (maybe a mile, give or take?) so bring sun protection.

We went during the Spring and saw tons of blooming plants (not very many cacti at all— mostly creosote and wildflowers, kids even went barefoot for a spell) along the path; plus we saw hawks, prairie dogs, rabbits, ducks and bullfrogs. Another hiker mentioned spotting a large coyote. It’s very wild for being so road-adjacent. We didn’t notice any mosquitoes (in March).

At the pond there are great climbing trees, areas to explore (like little fairylands), lots of shade, and even benches and trash cans. No bathrooms. From 3:00-5:00pm there was a half empty parking lot with good parking options, and we only saw about 6 or so groups of other hikers along the way (on a weekday). This is a great trail for kids, strollers, bicycles, scooters or...

Beautiful site thats lovely to walk except... the atrocious amount of stinknet!!! This plant is a non-native invasive and a noxious weed (causes physical problems for people and animals). Very sad to see it. Thats what all the yellow flowers are. They are concentrated around paths, which shows people track them in. Be careful not to track them out and around other sites by cleaning your shoes. Also american bullfrogs are an additional non-native invasive to this area... which is what the pond is full of. Not exactly the best nature...

This beautiful preserve is one of my favorite places to explore in the city of Phoenix. It has winding paved paths and also desert trails you can follow that take you to this pond. We have seen many frogs, ducks, and a cardinal or two over the years we have been coming here. My one complaint is the many dog walkers that don't pick up after their pets or leave their poop bags abandoned on the sides of the trails. Please respect the beauty of this preserve and take your trash...